Warning: Spoilers ahead for chapter 137 of Hajime Isayama's Attack on Titan!
Hajime Isayama's dark fantasy manga series defeated Zeke Yeager, Armin reminds readers why not all hope is lost with a message similar to the popular Disney film, Soul.
The chapter with a solemn speech delivered by Zeke, who has developed a pessimistic view on his side's RIP Hange) to hold onto some semblance of hope when faced against inevitable doom, Armin has a talent for motivating those around him. He questions Zeke's nihilism at this moment and refuses to it defeat. He reminds Zeke that, as they speak, his friends are out fighting against the very fear Zeke has chosen to succumb to.
During this conversation, Armin delves into some of his own childhood memories. He recalls a moment with Eren and Mikasa when they raced up a hill. While but a minuscule moment in time, he holds onto the details of the warm breeze and floating leaves, wondering if his reason for existing was to be running with his friends that day. This is a feeling Armin recalls experiencing at multiple points in his life. Whether it be reading books at home or walking around the market, he gives the most trivial moments immense power. By doing so, Armin validates his own life simply by existing.
This message fuels the movie Soul as well. In this animated Disney film, protagonist Joe goes through a variety of experiences that lead him to believe everyone has a reason for existing. By the end of the film, Joe learns that this isn't true. A soul by the name 22 teaches him that enjoying the smallest moments on Earth are what life is truly all about. Chapter 137 of AOT allows Armin to teach Zeke this lesson as well.
While it may not be the secret to directly defeating post-apocolyptic world of Attack on Titan through a lens no one else seems to understand. This message holds so much importance in the world today. It's no wonder so many popular characters, whether it be in film or manga, are dedicated to sharing it.
